At least 130 Gazans hit by Israeli gunfire: Palestinian ministry

A protester shows his bloody hand while helping a wounded youth as others burn tyres near the fence of the Gaza Strip border with Israel east of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. AP

At least 130 Palestinians were hit by Israeli gunfire as thousands protested near Gaza's border with Israel, the health ministry in the enclave said.

Following calls to avoid an escalation in violence, the demonstrators largely kept their distance from the fortified frontier fence.

But at least 130 Palestinians were injured on Friday by live fire in clashes with Israeli soldiers, the health ministry said.

An Israeli army spokesman told Agence France-Presse that while most of the protesters stayed back from the fence, some came close and threw explosive devices and hand grenades at troops, while burning tyres.

"The soldiers who were there responded with riot dispersal means, along with gunfire in accordance with the rules of engagement," he said.

Rockets fired from Gaza on Wednesday had brought the territory's Hamas rulers and Israel closer to a widescale confrontation.